Make or break day
for the FOI act

On Monday at the House of Representatives, we face a make-or-break day for the Freedom of Information Act, our common advocacy over the last 14 years that is almost a law, except for last two steps:

1. Ratification by the House of the bicameral conference committee report on the FOI Act; and after this,

2. speedy transmittal to Malacanang of the ratified FOI Act for signing into law by outgoing President Gloria Arroyo.

On behalf of our esteemed colleagues and partners in the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition, we are pleased to offer you this PCIJ story on why the House must, and according to its own Rules can, ratify the FOI Act today.

A sidebar report shows that from across the world, groups, advocates, scholars and members of parliament are eagerly awaiting the Philippines’ FOI Act. After all, if enacted, this would be only the third FOI law to come to fruition in Southeast Asia (after Thailand and Indonesia).

The measure, according to a joint statement of 67 FOI advocacy groups and 22 other scholars and individuals, could assist the leadership transition, and enhance democratic processes, human rights and good governance in the country.

We also posted the official statement of the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition that includes about 130 organizations of journalists, lawyers, workers, professionals, youth and students, business and church people, and other civil society groups for your reference.

Mass actions for the FOI Act have also been organized by the Coalition. These include:

1. MOTORCADE and RALLY for the RATIFICATION and PASSAGE of the FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL
Monday, 24 May 2010, 11 am. Meeting place: Vacant lot at the UP Diliman, University Avenue cor C.P. Garcia, before the UP Checkpoint, beside CHED. Please wear white shirt, if possible FOI White Shirt

2. Forum on the FOI with international experts. Tuesday, 25 May 2010, 8 am to 4 pm., UP School of Economics, Diliman,